At the confluence of the rivers Foss and Ouse lies Eboracum, or so was York called under the Roman conquerors. On May 7 this year, it will be stage to the York Open. The one-day competition is promised to be “great for Euros prep, or alternatively a good opportunity for those who would like the chance to speak with an old friend, or former speaking partner”, the convenors told Achte Minute. They offer four prelims with a direct break to final – and seven-minute speeches throughout the day.

Chief adjudicator of the York Open is Tom Hosking from Oxford and Dearbhail O’Crowley from the University College Dublin. Registration costs you 35 British Pounds (circa 40 Euros) if you’re from Britain, or 20 Pounds when you are from Ireland or non-IONA countries. Co-convenor Angus Hill guarantees crash for both nights, Friday and Saturday, and allures to continental debaters with easy travelling: “York is easily accesible via the British rail network from London, Leeds and Manchester. Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports are both within easy travelling distance to the University. Leeds Bradford offers connections direct to many airports in Ireland as well as to Amsterdam, Brussels, Dusseldorf, and further afield in Europe.”

More detailed information is available from the homepage of the York Open. There you may also register online until May 1.

apf / glx